Favorite Class at Union:Philosophy & Abnormal Psychology. Philosophy was one of
my favorites because I had a great instructor. We did a lot of critical thinking,
not just reading from the book. We talked about different topics from different
perspectives which opened our minds. My Abnormal Psychology professor was great.
She had a hands on style of teaching and invited guest speakers on abnormalities
to the class.

Why did you choose
Union?:Union County
College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and it is inexpensive for many students
who can’t afford to attend a four-year College/University, but have the desire to
obtain a higher education. Union County College has great expectations of their
students and they offer a great education. I graduated with a 4.0 from Plainfield
High School, and Union County College opened their doors when my immigration status
was an obstacle.

What is your
fondest memory so far at Union?:Being recognized by my peers, professors, the administration, the
press, and the community of Union as the first Union County College student in 35
years to be named the Coca-Cola Silver Scholar and All-USA Academic Team. The Coca-Cola
Scholarship Award is a National award in which more than 1,800 applications were
submitted from all Community Colleges across the country.

Interesting fact
about you:Worked as Senator
Robert Menendez’s Campaign Assistant for the 2012 election. I Immigrated
to the United States when I was 7 years old with my family, which is my motivation
to accomplish my American Dream. I aspire to run for the New Jersey Senate where
I will work on immigration issues, the improvement of education in urban areas,
and advocate for the equality of women and minorities.

What is the biggest
adjustment you had to make coming to college?:The biggest adjustment I made when attending college is managing
to work full-time to pay for my education & excel academically as a full-time
student as well. It was difficult at first since I was very young, however, I not
only learned to manage my time wisely, but I also learned the value of money and
about the sacrifices that you must make in order to succeed.

Career or further education
Goals: Earning a B.A. in Psychology & Political Science at Seton Hall University,
pursue my M.A. and attend New York University Law School to study Immigration Law.
I aspire to run for office and one day serve the State of New Jersey and the community.

Is
there anything else we ought to know about you?:Through the many opportunities that Union County College offered
me, I currently became employed in the Union County Administrative Building in the
City of Elizabeth. I was also chosen for the Zirnite Scholarship of Union County
College and was also selected for the National Hispanic Scholarship Foundation (HSF)
for another prestigious award that recognized outstanding Hispanic-American students
that have the rich desire to pursue a higher education.